Anitha urges officials to stay alert during natural calamities

Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha has called upon District Collectors, Superintendents of Police, and other officials to remain vigilant during natural disasters, emphasising the need for quick and effective rescue and relief efforts. Speaking at a video conference on Tuesday at the Visakhapatnam Collectorate, she stated, “In times of calamity, every second counts. We must act swiftly to prevent any loss of life or damage to property.”
The meeting, which involved officials from Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Anakapalli, Alluri Sitarama Raju, and Manyam districts, was held to assess the damage caused by recent heavy rains and the ongoing relief operations.
Anitha pointed out the impact of two cyclones that had struck the state in the last 15 days, with heavy rains occurring on the 8th and 9th of the month. “The effects of these cyclones have been severe, and we need to stay alert. The relief efforts in Vijayawada should serve as a model for all districts,” she said. She urged District Collectors to take full responsibility for monitoring the situation, particularly the condition of reservoirs.
The Home Minister called for regular inspections of reservoir gates and the immediate repair of any issues. She stressed that there should be no delays when it comes to public safety.
Anitha also highlighted the importance of receiving advance information from neighbouring states to better prepare for future disasters. She noted that evacuating people from flood-prone areas promptly could save lives.
She encouraged closer cooperation with local communities, particularly fishermen, advising them to avoid going out in dangerous conditions but suggesting that their boats could be used in rescue operations alongside NDRF and SDRF teams. Anitha proposed forming emergency teams in every village, trained to respond quickly in times of disaster. “By training local communities, we can ensure a faster response when it’s needed most,” she added.
To improve communication during emergencies, Anitha recommended setting up permanent toll-free and landline numbers in control rooms in every district and mandal, ensuring the public can quickly seek help when necessary.
District Collector MN Harendhira Prasad provided an update on the situation, mentioning that while heavy rains had caused some damage, relief efforts were ongoing. He informed the Home Minister that a holiday had been declared for all educational institutions and that damaged schools were being identified for demolition. Officials from various departments, including GVMC, Civil Supplies, Medical Health, Fisheries, Agriculture, Horticulture, Irrigation, and Fire Services, participated in the video conference and shared updates on their efforts to manage the situation.